Negrești Oaș, Romania, February 10, 2020
Photo: Basilica News Agency
While Orthodox Christians everywhere love the Mother of God and turn to her in prayer in times of need, one Romania town is taking this relationship to a new level.
Negrești Oaș is located in northwestern Romania, near the Ukrainian border. It is the capital of the Oaș Country ethnographic region, and as of Sunday, it is officially under the Heavenly protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, as declared by His Grace Bishop Timotei of Maramureș and Satu Mare, reports the Basilica News Agency.
The decision to proclaim the Mother of God the patron of Negrești Oaș was taken at the session of the Permanent Diocesan Council on December 5.
Photo: Basilica News Agency
The proclamation took place in the Cathedral of All Saints, with the document being read out by Fr. Cristian Ştefan, the diocesan councilor. Before the proclamation, His Grace blessed an icon of the Mother of God with the Oaș cathedral, the Archangels Gabriel and Michael, and the Holy Cross, especially commissioned for the event.
Photo: Basilica News Agency
The icon will be honored at city hall and in schools and social and public establishments.
